Thixo-die-forging of Al/Al₂O₃ composite in pseudo-semi-solid state

A new technology, thixo-die-forging of composite in pseudo-semi-solid state was proposed based on powder metallurgy technology combing with semi-solid metal process, and the cup shell with Al/Al₂O₃ composite was prepared successfully. The metallographic analysis and performance test show that the microstructure of Al/Al₂O₃ is dense and mechanical properties are excellent. The bend strength and fracture toughness of the composite are about 430~690 MPa and 8.5~16.8 MPa · m^1/2 respectively, in which the volume fraction of Al is 37% under different pressures. Comparing with reaction in situ and high temperature oxidation technologies, the bending strength and fracture toughness improve greatly. At the same time it shows that the technology parameters have great influences on the properties, for example, forming temperature, pressure, etc. All the results prove that this new technology is feasible for the metal/ceramics composites.